The arc of the sun continues to get lower with each passing October day as migrant raptors pour south from northern forests and Arctic tundra while passing Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) on their long journeys. October 11 sustained the consistent strong momentum of raptor movement as north winds pushed RED-TAILED HAWKS south with a 7th consecutive day this month with a triple-digit day count (271) for this species. There was also good triple-digit SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (238) movement; however, this species should gradually be slowing down in overall numbers later into the month. The highest AMERICAN GOSHAWK (6) day count on the season also passed throughout the day while providing excellent looks passing along the Ridge. At one time, a single goshawk circled together with a red-tail which also provided a wonderful opportunity to side-by-side comparison in the field. TURKEY VULTURES (80) continued to push south as October continues to be the highest HRBO monthly total ever recorded for this species, as well as another four migrant PEREGRINE FALCONS which have also experienced a record-breaking October total. The first SNOW BUNTINGS of the fall passed along the Ridge throughout the day as well, resonating their rattle from the sky as they passed over orange-and-red colored forests - a stark contrast from their high latitude, Arctic breeding grounds.
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| A late migrant BROAD-WINGED HAWK passes along the Ridge on October 15. This fall has recorded the highest October total for this species ever at HRBO (Photo: Jess Cosentino) |
October 12 brought northeast winds with an early light drizzle that persisted on-and-off for several hours. With minimal raptor movement throughout the count, a single juvenile AMERICAN GOSHAWK passing along the Ridge providing excellent, sustained views made for a highlight on the day. While raptor movement was stale, AMERICAN CROWS (1,159) were pushing down the shore en masse into the cold precipitation and grey pale sky. The following day (October 13) continued with persistent east winds; however, they blustered off the lake with a gale force (measuring 41 mph gusts at times!). Incredibly, a handful of migrants still pushed south along the Ridge and shore, including a trio of early migrant ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS.
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| Light-morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK passing the ridge on October 20 (Photo: Jess Cosentino) |
October 14 continued with more less-than-favorable northeast winds and a robust raptor flight never materialized; however, there was still good movement across nine raptor species. Another triple-digit SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (133) day count which could be the last for the season as it is getting late for them (The season total for this species is already well-above the long-term ten-year average). A nice push of RED-TAILED HAWKS (89) being slightly below the more recent 200+ bird day counts in the first week of the month; however, that may have been the first push of migrant red-tails with more to follow later into October. With northwest winds forecast for next week, there is promise for more large red-tail movements. Non-raptor highlights included a large push of COMMON GRACKLES (1,412) down the shore and along the Ridge all day, three more early migrant BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS down the west side of the Ridge, and a jubilant flock of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS (12) passing right over the count platform while chattering away above. The day on the Ridge also enjoyed a solar eclipse as migrant raptors buzzed across the cerulean sky backdrop as it unfolded above. The count staff was fortunate to be able to view some of the solar phenomena thanks to long-time HRBO volunteer Gail Marsman bringing up a special pair of viewing glasses (Gail has been volunteering annually at Hawk Ridge since 1972!)
More favorable north winds blew in on October 15 with a slow-paced RED-TAILED HAWK flight (113) pushing into triple-digits once again. Despite assisting winds, there was an overall slower migration pace. The first TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE of the fall pushed down the Ridge and small groups of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS (56) fluttered southward while echoing their sad, melodic calls. A second wheezy BOREAL CHICKADEE navigated through the dense treeline as a single adult GOLDEN EAGLE passed distantly on the lake around noon. Late BROAD-WINGED HAWK (2) migrants continued to trickle southward. A surprise included two EASTERN RED BATS flying around during the daylight period while allowing for excellent sustained views from observers on the platform, as well as seven late migrant GREEN DARNER dragonflies. The impending temperature drops in the days ahead will likely impact how frequently any more dragonflies are observed (if at all) from the Ridge. The highlight on the day included a pair of AMERICAN GOSHAWKS pushing down the Ridge after rising low of the summit ledges and passing the overlook while being washed in the late-day golden light. The two large accipiters passed in almost immediate succession and offered really nice views to those below as the final light of the day beautifully highlighted the rich plumage on both birds.
North winds continued into October 16 as the first COMMON REDPOLL of the season passed overhead while uttering a quick cht-cht-cht-cht and a second TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE on the season hung around the overlook for an hour or so while taking a brief respite on its wayward migration south (a species more typically associated with the western half of the continent). An interesting late season CHIMNEY SWIFT hovered to the north of the Ridge for a while, puzzling those below. There was good BALD EAGLE (31) and RED-TAILED HAWK (43) movement all day into the last hours of light just before sunset, which is always a welcomed opportunity to stand in the final moments of the sun's descent below the horizon while watching migrating raptors along the Ridge.
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| One of several RED-TAILED HAWKS passing the Ridge on October 17 (Photo: Jess Cosentino) |
October 17 shifted back to southwest winds and a strong raptor flight never seemed to open up but a light trickle of migrant raptors passed throughout the morning into the early afternoon; however, abruptly shutoff by mid-afternoon. The day also presented a noticeable absence of non-raptor migrants: Few finches, geese, cranes, etc. The southwest winds kept birds low as they took their time to make southern progress, which translates to great viewing opportunities from the overlook. There was a beautiful assortment of RED-TAILED HAWK (86) plumage phenotypes on the move throughout the day, accompanied by more late-season SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS (63). A late migrant OSPREY spiraled down the west side of the Ridge - likely finding some motivation to move following a recent frost. Another late raptor migrant PEREGRINE FALCON followed the contours the lake shore while a below-eye-level AMERICAN GOSHAWK passed directly over the water tower on the shoreline and provided great looks from the overlook. Viewing migrant raptors from above is a unique opportunity enjoyed on Hawk Ridge under certain wind conditions and a very interesting perspective to observe them in the field!
The next morning (October 18) brought the fourth SHORT-EARED OWL on the season directly above the overlook throughout a light drizzle morning. With few other migrant raptors, this was a highlight. October 19 offered light north winds, yet a flight never picked up.
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| The fourth SHORT-EARED OWL of the fall passing directly above the count platform on October 17 (Photo: Jess Cosentino) |
October 20 offered variable light winds, mostly from the southeast, which seemed to keep birds low and directly on the Ridge. An early morning BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER shouted a loud KEK! while passing in front of the count platform and then scurried up a nearby perch - the 12th migrant on the season! There was consistent movement and great viewing opportunities from the overlook throughout the day. RED-TAILED HAWK (155) were moving throughout the entire count period (including THREE DARK-MORPHS); however, seemed to pick up momentum a bit towards the afternoon. A late migrant juvenile BROAD-WINGED HAWK slowly circled overhead along the Ridge while also displaying a wing/feather injury of some kind - no doubt a possible contribution to its late passage south. Several closer passes of AMERICAN GOSHAWK (4) kept visitors to the overlook pleased to enjoy such great views from below. Two GOLDEN EAGLES circled together north of the Ridge for a while, sharing a kettle with several juvenile BALD EAGLES - serving as an opportunity for side-by-side comparison of the very similar species while in the field. The best ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK day count (14) on the season so far passed throughout the day, while PURPLE FINCH (113), COMMON REDPOLL (3), RED CROSSBILL (14), WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL (3), AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (4), PINE SISKIN (496), and SNOW BUNTING (10) were all on the move (Most PINE SISKIN movement has been consistently going north along the lake shore this fall).
The day was a great start to the weekend on the Ridge in the beginning of late October: A mosaic of golden trees, golden sun hours, coupled with peak GOLDEN EAGLE migration unfolding above. There are still weeks ahead to visit Hawk Ridge and experience the spectacle of bird migration, with plenty of Golden Eagles, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks left to pass from northern latitudes before the HRBO count ends on November 30.
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| Beautiful fall colors along Hawk Ridge on October 20 (Photo: Jess Cosentino) |
Lead Counter
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| A brilliant sunrise from Hawk Ridge on October 20 (Photo: Jess Cosentino) |
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